Abstract: A method for starting up a production line for manufacturing extruded plates, wherein an extruded semi-finished product comprising a free end is pressed towards a conveying device, wherein the conveying device is configured to pull the semi-finished product to a separating device, wherein a conveyor belt extending in the conveying direction is placed on the conveying device, the free end of the semi-finished product is pressed onto the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt is pulled together with the semi-finished product towards the separating device, and the free end of the semi-finished product arriving at the separating device is introduced into the separating device, while the conveyor belt is pulled away from the semi-finished product upstream of the separating device. This enables a cost-effective production of panels made from the plates.

Abstract: An end effector for laying down fibers on a laying mold, the end effector having at least one bobbin arrangement of a system type, the system type being defined by virtue of the fact that the bobbin arrangement has a first bobbin for providing a first fiber strand and a second bobbin for providing a second fiber strand, the rotational axes of the first and the second bobbin being arranged at an angle with respect to one another, the first fiber strand and the second fiber strand being merged over a deflection unit and being guided from a corner region of the end effector jointly into a center region of the end effector and further to a pressure roller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses discussed herein provide for localized speed changes of an advancing substrate. Embodiments of a localized speed varying apparatus may include first and second substrate guides positioned upstream and downstream of a processing station, respectively. The substrate guides may utilize orbital motion of guide members to change the length of the substrate within the substrate guides upstream and downstream of the processing station. The changes in substrate length within the substrate guides result in localized speed changes of the substrate between the substrate guides. Coordination between the substrate guides allows for localized speed changes of the substrate passing through the processing station without affecting the speed of the substrate upstream of the first substrate guide and downstream of the second substrate guide.

Abstract: Composite sandwich structure and method for producing such structure A method for producing a composite sandwich structure comprising at least a first and second face sheet of a fibrous reinforcing material sandwiching between them a sheet of a core material, the method comprising the steps of forwarding the multilayer object towards a connecting fibre inserting device and connecting the first and second face sheet and the core material together by inserting connecting reinforcing fibres.

Abstract: The system and method for manufacturing the composite candle wick includes a mechanism for feeding the cotton wick and wood wick at substantially the same speeds. The wood wick is heated in order to cause a melting of a wax coating around the cotton wick and pressure is applied to the wick materials through a compression wheel and drive belt which carries the wick materials. Once the pressure is applied to form the composite wick the wicks are then sent through a cutting tube where a cutting blade will cut the wick to its desired length.

Abstract: Gutter guard apparatuses and methods of making the same are provided. A gutter guard apparatus for preventing debris from entering rainwater collection gutters on a structure. A gutter guard apparatus can comprise a guard panel and mesh layer that cooperate to prevent debris from entering a rainwater collection gutter. The mesh layer can be secured to the guard panel at substantially all points of contact between the mesh layer and guard panel to thereby provide a secure and durable gutter guard apparatus. Methods and devices for forming a gutter guard can comprise bonding the mesh layer to a guard panel using a radiant heater, heated roller, adhesive applicator, ultrasonic welder and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The system and method for manufacturing the composite candle wick includes a mechanism for feeding the cotton wick and wood wick at substantially the same speeds. The wood wick is heated in order to cause a melting of a wax coating around the cotton wick and pressure is applied to the wick materials through a compression wheel and drive belt which carries the wick materials. Once the pressure is applied to form the composite wick the wicks are then sent through a cutting tube where a cutting blade will cut the wick to its desired length.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.

Abstract: An apparatus having independently rotating shafts for producing discontinuous and continuous side by side bonding using independently rotating bonding units.

Abstract: To improve peelability, yield in a peeling step, and yield in manufacturing a flexible device. A peeling method is employed which includes a first step of forming a peeling layer containing tungsten over a support substrate; a second step of forming, over the peeling layer, a layer to be peeled formed of a stack including a first layer containing silicon oxynitride and a second layer containing silicon nitride in this order and forming an oxide layer containing tungsten oxide between the peeling layer and the layer to be peeled; a third step of forming a compound containing tungsten and nitrogen in the oxide layer by heat treatment; and a fourth step of peeling the peeling layer from the layer to be peeled at the oxide layer.

Abstract: A label applying apparatus and a related method are provided. The label applying apparatus may include a label applicator and a receptacle. The label applicator may include a displaceable piston with an applicator surface configured to receive a label. The receptacle may include walls that define an interior compartment. Further the receptacle may include a pivotable cover member that pivots about a hinge between a closed position that covers an upper opening of the receptacle and an open position in which articles of material may be inserted into the interior compartment. The distal end of an upper portion of the pivotable cover member may engage the articles such that the articles are retained in a position whereby the displaceable piston extends into the interior compartment and applies a label to a label application surface of the most proximate one of the articles to the applicator surface of the displaceable piston.

Abstract: A device for processing flat objects (40) delivered successively in a delivery direction, in particular print shop products, and/to a continuously advanced material web (42). The device, which is to be used particularly for welding a material web, includes at least one rigid body (90) that can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (D) and at least one tool (10) having a processing-effective zone (12), the tool being attached to the body (90) and movable along an orbit (U) by rotating the body (90). The tool is attached to the body (90) pivotally or rotatably about a pivot axis (S). The pivot position of the tool can be adjusted as a function of the rotational position of the rigid body by means of a stationary control gate and a control element interacting with the control gate and connected to the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a film to a substrate and a method of using the same is described. The apparatus comprises a) a heated laminating roller and a second roller, wherein said heated laminating roller and said second roller are opposably mounted and form a nip; b) a drive mechanism for rotating the heated laminating roller and second roller; c) a film supply roller adapted to support a roll of film and supply the film over an outer surface of the heated laminating roller and into the nip, wherein the film is contactable with a top surface of the substrate at a point where the substrate advances through the nip; and d) a splitter bar in contact with the film supplied from the supply roller, wherein the position of the splitter bar controls a wrap angle between the film and the heated laminating roller.

Abstract: A tape applicator (51) for applying tape to a substrate, the tape applicator comprising a pair of nip rollers wherein the nip rollers comprise a tape roller (55) and a substrate roller (56), the tape applicator further comprising a tension roller (57) disposed in front of the substrate roller (56) to tension the substrate prior to feeding between the nip rollers, a tape feed and a drive for rotating the nip rollers.

Abstract: A closure device which a consumer or bag manufacturer may affix to most any bag comprises an elongated first strip of flexible material and a thin bendable wire and second strip of material of substantially the same length as the first strip and longitudinally aligned with and affixed to the first strip. The first strip includes an opposite adhesive surface which is covered by a protective strip of release paper at the time of manufacture. A plurality of individual closure devices may be manufactured in sheet form with perforations extending between each adjacent closure device on the sheet. When needed, the consumer tears a closure device from the sheet. The consumer peels away the release paper revealing the adhesive surface and affixes the closure device to the outer surface of a bag. In one preferred method, the consumer affixes the closure device in a traversing manner with the closure device extending between the opposite closed and open ends of the bag.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a donor substrate, the device including a film supply unit for supplying a flexible base film in a supply direction, a film guide unit at a front of the film supply unit in the supply direction for supporting the base film and for guiding the base film in the supply direction, a frame transferring unit at the front of the supply direction and for providing a support frame configured to be coupled to the base film and for transferring the frame while contacting a first side of the base film, and a heating unit facing the frame transferring unit with the base film therebetween for heating and for pressurizing a part of the base film contacting the support frame.

Abstract: Concave portions filled with particles of high-absorbent resin are arranged on an outer side surface of a cylinder part in a circumferential direction. When each concave portion passes an ejection start position lying posterior to the lowermost portion in a rotation direction, particles are ejected along a tangent line of the side surface at the ejection start position. A sheet conveying roller is located near the above lowermost portion. Annular grooves facing concave portions are formed on an outer side surface of the roller along a circumferential direction. The roller conveys a sheet member along its side surface so that the sheet member passes near the above lowermost portion. In the sheet member, groove portions corresponding to the annular grooves are formed. Since the tangent line intersects with the side surface of the roller, it is possible to eject particles into the groove portions and reduce scattering of particles.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses an RFID tag supplying apparatus that supplies a substantially sheet-like antenna base on which an RFID circuit element provided with an IC circuit part that stores information and an antenna that transmits and receives information is disposed between a first tape and a second tape that are fed to a predetermined bonding position to be mutually bonded, comprising: a tape processing device that makes a tape orderly on said antenna base to prevent the generation of parts out of order in a tag tape including said first tape and said second tape.

Abstract: A draping device for draping a two-dimensional textile semi-finished product includes a first rotationally symmetrical body having a first axis of rotation and a peripheral surface which varies along the axis of rotation. A first drive is configured to rotate the first body about the first axis of rotation so as to deform, via the first body, the semi-finished product.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a labeler and a method for applying labels onto an article strip, wherein a transfer device is moved continuously when said labels are pressed on and a lifting device of said transfer device comprises a height-adjustable actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a hook-and-loop fastener component to the end of a tear strip used in a turn-up operation, the hook-and-loop fastener mechanism provided to secure the end of the tear strip to a rotating component of a spool winding assembly, the apparatus for forming the tear strip assembly having a feed roller, a transfer roller and a press roller, whereby hook-and-loop components presented on a feed tape are adhesively bonded to the tear strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a conductive element includes an original carbon nanotube film supply unit configured to continuously supply an original carbon nanotube film; a patterned unit configured to form a patterned carbon nanotube film; a solvent treating unit configured to soak the patterned carbon nanotube film to form a carbon nanotube film; a substrate supply unit providing a substrate; a pressing unit configured to generate a pressure on the carbon nanotube film and the substrate and fix the carbon nanotube film on the substrate; and a collecting unit capable of collecting the conductive element. The original carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotubes extending along a first direction. The patterned carbon nanotube film defines through holes arranged in at least one row in the patterned carbon nanotube film along the first direction, the through holes of each row includes at least two spaced though holes.

Abstract: A heating system for hot coupling or laminating at least two films or thin sheets, said heating system comprising at least a heater group comprising at least a burner, and an airtight chamber.

Abstract: The present application relates to tray sealing apparatus (100) comprising a heat sealing tool (6), a pair of laterally spaced transfer mechanisms (66) for transferring trays to and away from the heat sealing tool along corresponding laterally spaced tray feed lanes, film supply apparatus for supplying respective heat sealable films to the sealing tool one in alignment with each tray feed lane. The sealing tool comprises a pair of lower support members (61a, 61b), each aligned with a respective one of the tray feed lanes and on to which one or more trays can be transferred. The tray sealing apparatus further comprises a common upper plate (65) having heaters aligned respectively in use with each tray on the lower support members; and means for selectively moving the lower support members towards the upper plate so as to bring the tray(s) on that lower support member into contact with the corresponding film, whereby the upper plate heat seals the film to the tray(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforcing fiber scrims (20), comprising multi-layer MD scrims (multiaxial scrims) (10, 11, 12), which each comprise individual fibers arranged next to each other in a layer, wherein at least two layers are at an angle to one each other in the layer plane and are connected by a fixing means. In order to improve the processing of the multiaxial scrims (10, 11, 12) and significantly reduce the processing time, at least two prefabricated MD scrims (10, 11, 12) are arranged at an angle in a layer plane and connected to each other in order to produce complex carbon parts. Thus a reinforcing fiber scrim (20) is provided, which has at least two individual fiber scrims and which, for a 0° position of the individual MD scrims (10, 11, 12), has six individual fiber scrims.

Abstract: A system and method of making an open-ended, reinforced, layered belt having a profile layer, a top layer material, and tensile cords fully encapsulated there between. The method includes engaging portion of the profile layer on a rotatable cylindrical mandrel with an engaging roller, disengaging with a take-off roller, and applying and fusing the cords to the profile layer at a desired cord spacing there between. The cord may be fused by melting the profile layer surface with a heated plow and/or with heated cord. The cord is then covered with the top layer material in a lamination step involving heating to melt at least a portion of the top layer and pressing it to fuse it to the reinforced profile layer. Lamination may be done downstream or directly on the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses discussed herein provide for localized speed changes of an advancing substrate. Embodiments of a localized speed varying apparatus may include first and second substrate guides positioned upstream and downstream of a processing station, respectively. The substrate guides may utilize orbital motion of guide members to change the length of the substrate within the substrate guides upstream and downstream of the processing station. The changes in substrate length within the substrate guides result in localized speed changes of the substrate between the substrate guides. Coordination between the substrate guides allows for localized speed changes of the substrate passing through the processing station without affecting the speed of the substrate upstream of the first substrate guide and downstream of the second substrate guide.

Abstract: The system and method for manufacturing the composite candle wick includes a mechanism for feeding the cotton wick and wood wick at substantially the same speeds. The wood wick is heated in order to cause a melting of a wax coating around the cotton wick and pressure is applied to the wick materials through a compression wheel and drive belt which carries the wick materials. Once the pressure is applied to form the composite wick the wicks are then sent through a cutting tube where a cutting blade will cut the wick to its desired length.

Abstract: A method for attaching a sealing profile to a vehicle body part includes the steps of pulling the sealing profile from a storage unit; passing the sealing profile through a first buffer which compensates for differences between incoming and outgoing speeds of the sealing profile; attaching an adhesive strip to the sealing profile continuously, the adhesive strip having a first adhesive layer facing the sealing profile and a second adhesive layer facing away from the sealing profile; passing the sealing profile with the attached adhesive strip through a second buffer which compensates for differences between incoming and outgoing speeds of the sealing profile; and rolling the second adhesive layer onto the vehicle body part. The adhesive strip is attached to the sealing strip in an assembly unit which heats the first adhesive layer as it moves around a press roller.

Abstract: A feedblock including a first packet creator that forms a first packet including a first plurality of polymeric layers, the first plurality of layers including at least four first individual polymeric layers; and a second packet creator that forms a second packet including a second plurality of polymeric layers, the second plurality of layers including at least four second individual polymeric layers, wherein the first and second packet creators are configured such that, for each packet creator, respective individual polymeric layers of the plurality of polymeric layers are formed at approximately the same time. The feedblock may include a packet combiner that receives and combines the first and second primary packets to form a multilayer stream. In some examples, at least one of the first and second primary packets may be spread in the cross-web direction prior to being combined with one another.

Abstract: In a component press-bonding apparatus including a press-bonding tool for press-bonding a component, which is placed on a panel, to the panel via a sheet, the press-bonding tool is provided so as to be movable in a first direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to a press-bonding direction. The component press-bonding apparatus has a sheet conveyance unit comprising: a feed reel which feeds a sheet in a second direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the press-bonding direction and the first direction and which is movable in the first direction; a path member which forms a sheet path extending from the feed reel in the second direction and reaching the press-bonding tool and which is movable in the first direction; and a feed roller for feeding the sheet in the second direction. The feed roller is removably fitted to the sheet conveyance unit.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for collecting thin tissue samples for imaging. Thin tissue sections may be cut from tissue samples using a microtome-quality knife. In one example, tissue samples are mounted to a substrate that is rotated such that thin tissue sections are acquired via lathing. Collection of thin tissue sections may be facilitated by a conveyor belt. Thin tissue sections may be mounted to a thin substrate (e.g., by adhering thin tissue sections to a thin substrate via a roller mechanism) that may be imaged, for example, by an electron beam (e.g., in an electron microscope). This tissue sections may be strengthened before cutting via a blockface thinfilm deposition technique and/or a blockface taping technique. An automated reel-to-reel imaging technique may be employed for collected/mounted tissue sections to facilitate random-access imaging of tissue sections and maintaining a comprehensive library including a large volume of samples.

Abstract: A seaming machine and method are provided for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets. The machine typically includes a frame with a pair of spaced seaming devices mounted thereon for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The process allows for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop a work surface. Relative back and forth movement between various components and the work surface typically facilitate the process.

Abstract: A tape placement apparatus in which a small roll of wound tape with an adhesive is placed in such a way that a tape can be unreeled freely from the small roll of tape, includes: a rotating table with which a tape end face of the small roll of tape makes contact after being positioned; and a table supporting section rotatably supporting the rotating table.

Abstract: Substrate material processing equipment includes: a substrate material conveying section receiving a substrate material from a first line and conveying it to a second line; a first substrate material dividing section dividing the substrate material; a substrate material recovery section recovering the substrate material from its start edge formed by division; a substrate material supply section supplying a substrate material to an end edge of the substrate material which is formed by division; a first substrate material joining section joining the end edge of the substrate material to a start edge of the substrate material supplied from the substrate material supply section; a second substrate material dividing section provided between the substrate material supply section and the first substrate material joining section; a third substrate material dividing section provided between the first line and the substrate material recovery section; and a second substrate material joining section joining a start edge

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal display device manufacturing system having high productivity per space for installation of manufacturing equipment and making it possible to increase safety by separation of a feed path and a working path and to reduce equipment cost. The system includes a pair of manufacturing apparatuses 100 including panel feeding lines L2 arranged in the same direction, continuous roll R1 and R2 introduction parts 101 and 102, and a pair of film feeding lines L1, wherein the continuous roll R1 and R2 introduction parts 101 and 102 of one and the other of the manufacturing apparatuses 100 are placed on one same side located inside or outside the pair of film feeding lines L1, so that there is no need to provide a continuous roll R1 and R2 feed path P100 and a working path P200 in the same aisle, which can provide high productivity per space for installation of manufacturing equipment 100 and increase safety by separation of a feed path P100 and a working path P200.

Abstract: A highly reliable and productive manufacturing method of boards and a manufacturing apparatus are provided. The manufacturing apparatus includes heater-punches (4a) and (4b) disposed above and under pressuring holes (24) provided on positioning stage (6) which positions and laminates board materials. The apparatus also includes a supplying and discharging means of a mold-releasing sheet, and the means is formed of supply reel (22), take-up reel (23), and guide rolls (25a) and (25b). The sheet is supplied and discharged passing between heater-punches (4a) placed above pressuring holes (24) and heater-punches (4b) placed under pressuring holes (24).

Abstract: A pouch has a sheet containing at least one layer of a film material. The sheet forms a tube that is sealed to form a volume. The seal contains a first straight edge and a second straight edge adjoining the first straight edge. The first straight edge forms an obtuse angle with the second straight edge. A sealing jaw and a method for forming such a pouch is also described.

Abstract: A tape application tool (30) that can hold an adhesive-backed paint replacement tape in position relative to a window frame (34), as well as apply at least the sash section of the tape to the sash portion of the window frame, without having to use a separate location tool and without having to use a paint replacement tape that includes a removable location tab. The tool comprises at least one tape application roller (58), at least one or more guide rollers (66,68), a biasing mechanism, at least one first tape locating surface (54) and, optionally, a tool stop surface (44).

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal display device manufacturing system having high productivity per space for installation of manufacturing equipment and making it possible to increase safety by separation of a feed path and a working path and to reduce equipment cost. The system includes a pair of manufacturing apparatuses 100 including panel feeding lines L2 arranged in the same direction, continuous roll R1 and R2 introduction parts 101 and 102, and a pair of film feeding lines L1, wherein the continuous roll R1 and R2 introduction parts 101 and 102 of one and the other of the manufacturing apparatuses 100 are placed on one same side located inside or outside the pair of film feeding lines L1, so that there is no need to provide a continuous roll R1 and R2 feed path P100 and a working path P200 in the same aisle, which can provide high productivity per space for installation of manufacturing equipment 100 and increase safety by separation of a feed path P100 and a working path P200.

Abstract: An auxiliary machine for labelling machines of the type including a supply of labels (10) for application on packages (4) for goods and a thermal printer (6) for the provision of informative prints on the labels, is provided. The auxiliary machine has a stand (14) connectable to the labelling machine and on which there is supported a supply of coverings (16), which are detachably attached to a tape (23), a mechanism for advancing the tape (23) to a picking tool (20) for picking off individual coverings from the tape and applying the same on individual labels (10), as well as a dispenser (19) for the discharge of a substance loading on the individual label. Advantageously, in the auxiliary machine, a stamping tool (25) may also be included for stamping of cavities in the coverings or labels.

Abstract: A device for applying an elastoplastic spacer tape as a spacer during the production of insulating glass panes has at least two supply reels for spacer tapes, several driven tape guide rollers, and a movable application head for the selected spacer tape, with whose assistance the spacer tape is pressed onto a glass pane. For coating one or the other spacer tape, a coating station with two coating nozzles is provided, from which adhesive glue is sprayed on the lateral surfaces of the selected spacer tape. The spacer tape that is unneeded in each case is stopped in the application head in such a way that one or the other of the spacer tapes as desired, depending on which spacer tape is required for the production of a special insulating glass pane, is applied to the glass pane. Thus, the laborious threading and unthreading of spacer tapes is not necessary.

Abstract: A film transfer unit is provided on an inking unit of a printing unit. If such a film transfer unit includes an intermittent drive device having dancers then, as a result, access to an ink fountain or an inking unit is generally rather restricted. Adjustable guide elements of the intermittent drive device are provided in a frame of an intermittent drive module which can be pushed, in the form of a cassette, out of an opening of the film transfer unit when the film transfer unit is not to be used to transfer a transfer layer from a transfer film to a printing material, so that an installation space which has thus become free can be used to operate an ink fountain of the inking unit. A cassette for a film transfer apparatus and a method for operating a film transfer apparatus, are also provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve the production efficiency in sealing a thin film integrated circuit and to prevent the damage and break. Further, it is another object of the invention to prevent a thin film integrated circuit from being damaged in shipment and to make it easier to handle the thin film integrated circuit. The invention provides a laminating system in which rollers are used for supplying a substrate for sealing, receiving IC chips, separating, and sealing. The separation, sealing, and reception of a plurality of thin film integrated circuits can be carried out continuously by rotating the rollers; thus, the production efficiency can be extremely improved. Further, the thin film integrated circuits can be easily sealed since a pair of rollers opposite to each other is used.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an absorptive article having a waistband member, includes: transporting a continuum (for example, second to seventh continuum) including waistband regions 1A and 1B corresponding to the waistband member. In the transporting, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to a center line CL of the continuum in a moving direction of the continuum, and is transported while being held on at least a first belt conveyor 110 and a second belt conveyor 120.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing at least one member comprising at least one rubber-coated electronic component (10), in which the component (10) is placed in contact with a first strip (32) of rubber and it is covered by a second strip (34) of rubber so as to coat the component (10).

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing scrap from tape material on original backing paper includes a supply reel, at least one cutting member, at least one heating member and/or cooling member, and at least one removal member. The supply reel is for supplying and unrolling tape material on original backing paper. The at least one cutting member is for cutting unrolled tape material while on original backing paper. The at least one of a heating member and a cooling member are for at least one of heating and cooling cut unrolled tape material on original backing paper. The at least one removal member is for removing scrap cut unrolled tape material from original backing paper.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for making a gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) fuel cell subassemblies via roll-to-roll processes are described. A material processable by one or both of heat and pressure having spaced apart apertures is transported to a bonding station. A first gasket layer having gas diffusion layers arranged in relation to spaced apart apertures of a first gasket layer is transported to the bonding station. The heat/pressure processable material is aligned with the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. At the bonding station, the heat/pressure processable material is bonded to the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. After bonding, the heat/pressure processable material forms a second gasket layer that attaches the gas diffusion layers to the first gasket layer.